LPR Brakes fires Di Luca

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Danilo Di Luca (born January 2, 1976) is an Italian professional road racing cyclist who most recently )had been riding for the UCI Professional Continental team LPR Brakes-Farnese Vini. He is currently serving a suspension following a positive doping test during the 2009 Giro d'Italia. Di Luca won the 2005 UCI ProTour, the 2007 Giro d'Italia and the Giro di Lombardia in 2001 and Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2007.

On 22 July 2009, it was announced that Di Luca had tested positive for CERA on 20 and 28 May 2009, during the Giro d'Italia. He was provisionally suspended with immediate effect by the UCI.

Team and sponsors plan to sue Di Luca for damages

LPR Brakes Farnese Vini has dismissed Danilo Di Luca, effective July 23. The Italian had tested positive twice for the third generation blood booster EPO-CERA during this year's Giro d'Italia, where he finished in second place.

Di Luca “will also be held responsible for all damage” to the reputation of both the sponsor and the team said the squad's management company, BF Cycling Management, according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport. The Italian newspaper also reported that BF Cycling Management has instructed its attorneys to commence legal proceedings.